Lighting device with anti bird-perch system

ABSTRACT

An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility that includes a plurality of dome-shaped light collectors disposed on a rooftop of the facility, with a projection extending from an apex of the light collector, and at least one filament extending from substantially all of the projections so that each projection is connected to two or more of the other projections to define a filament network disposed above the roof and proximate a top of the plurality of light collectors.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application claims the benefit of priority as acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/771,317 titled “Method and System for Controlling a Lighting System”filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to natural lightingsystems. More specifically, the disclosure relates to natural lightingsystems that include light pipes. More particularly, the disclosurerelates to a light pipe device having an anti-bird perch system todiscourage birds from perching, nesting or roosting on or around thelight pipes on the rooftop of a building.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention recited in the claims. The description herein may includeconcepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that havebeen previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwiseindicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art tothe description and claims in this application and is not admitted to beprior art by inclusion in this section.

Natural lighting devices such as skylights, domed windows, domed lightpipes and the like for allowing ambient or natural lighting (e.g.sunlight, etc.) to enter an enclosure such as a building are generallyknown and have an effectiveness that relies at least partially on anamount of light that can enter through (or be received by) the lightingdevice. Accordingly, objects that tend to block or reduce thetransmission of light from local surroundings into the lighting devicewill tend to decrease the effectiveness of the lighting device. Amongobjects that tend to block the light from being received by the lightingdevice are birds that occasionally roost, perch or nest on the rooftopsof buildings and on, or in close proximity to, the lighting device.However, the known anti-bird perch features, such as an array of spines,spikes or the like are generally not desirable as they tend to interferewith transmission of light from local surroundings into the lightingdevice.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a lighting device with ananti-bird perch system that reduces the tendency of birds to perch,roost or nest on the rooftop of a building near the lighting device, andminimizes any associated reduction in natural light reception by thelighting device.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, an anti bird-perch lighting system for usewith a facility includes a plurality of light pipes, each having asubstantially dome-shaped light collector and a projection extendingfrom the light collector, and at least one filament extending betweentwo or more of the projections to define a filament network.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti bird-perch lighting system foruse with a facility includes a plurality of dome-shaped light collectorsdisposed on a roof of the facility, with a projection extending from anapex of the light collector, and at least one filament extending fromsubstantially all of the projections so that each projection isconnected to two or more of the other projections to define a filamentnetwork disposed above the roof and proximate a top of the plurality oflight collectors.

In another exemplary embodiment an anti bird-perch lighting system foruse with a facility having a roof includes a plurality of lightcollectors disposed on the roof and configured to collect sunlight, anda projection extending from each of the light collectors, and a filamentinterconnecting the projections on the light collectors to define afilament network disposed above the roof and proximate a top of theplurality of light collectors.

Other principal features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdrawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denotelike elements.

FIG. 1 a depicts a cross sectional side view of a light pipe systemproviding natural light and including an anti-bird perch feature inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 b depicts a detailed side cross sectional view of the mountingbetween a diffuser and a reflective tube of the light pipe system ofFIG. 1 a in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a light collection system of thelight pipe system of FIG. 1 a in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the light collectionsystem of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the light collection system of FIG. 2 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a flashing of the light collectionsystem of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the flashing of FIG. 5 in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged, side view of the flashing of FIG. 6 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 a depicts a detailed cross sectional side view of the mountingbetween a light collection system and the reflective tube of the lightpipe system of FIG. 1 a in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 b depicts a detailed cross sectional side view of the mountingbetween a flashing and a mounting flange of the light pipe system ofFIG. 1 a in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a partial perspective view of a facility having aplurality of the light pipes of FIG. 1 a with an anti-bird perch system,in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1 a, a light pipe system 102 is shown inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment,light pipe system 102 is formed of components having a generallycircular shape though other shapes may be used without limitation. Lightpipe system 102 may include a diffuser 200, a reflective tube 202, and alight collection system 204. Reflective tube 202 is a sheet of highlyefficient, reflective material. For example, silver coated aluminum,MIRO®, etc. may be used as known to those skilled in the art. The sheetof reflective material is rolled to form a tube having a wall 206 andjoined along an joint 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the joint 208 isjoined using rivets 210 though other fastening methods and mechanismsmay be used without limitation. Aluminum tape may be placed over therivets 210. Reflective tube 202 may be formed to have a variety oflengths and to form a tube having a variety of diameters based on thecharacteristics of diffuser 200, of light collection system 204, of theroofing/wall defining the interior space, and of the interior space tobe lit.

Diffuser 200 may be a prismatic diffuser. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2 a, diffuser 200 is mounted within reflective tube 202 so that aconcave portion 212 is concave relative to the interior space. Withreference to FIG. 2 b, diffuser 200 may include concave portion 212 anda tapered portion 214. Tapered portion 214 extends from concave portion212 to transition a concave surface of concave portion 212 to form anapproximately parallel surface to reflective tube 202. A caulk 216 maybe used to seal diffuser 200 within wall 206 of reflective tube 202 toreduce condensation, dust, heat loss, and the build-up of othermaterials within an interior space formed by wall 206 of reflective tube202. Caulk 216 may comprise a silicone material. In an exemplaryembodiment, no fastener is used to mount diffuser 200 within reflectivetube 202. A bead of caulk 216 may be applied to an inner surface of wall206 of reflective tube 202 near a mounting edge 218. Mounting edge 218of wall 206 of reflective tube 202 may be positioned over diffuser 200with concave portion 212 positioned as shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. Aswall 206 of reflective tube 202 is positioned adjacent tapered portion214 of diffuser 200, caulk 216 fills any gap between wall 206 ofreflective tube 202 and tapered portion 214 of diffuser 200. As usedherein, the term “mount” includes join, unite, connect, associate,insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt,screw, rivet, solder, weld, and other like terms.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, light pipe system 102may further include a cone skirt 220 and reflector 222. Cone skirt 220may be formed of a reflective material. Cone skirt 220 may be mounted tolight pipe system 102 or may be mounted to an interior surface of theroofing/wall. Cone skirt 220 directs light toward the interior space tobe lit. Reflector 222 may be formed of a white reflective material suchas Anolux® manufactured by Anofol S.r.I. of Italy. Reflector 222 may bepositioned on an interior surface of reflective tube 202 above oradjacent to or overlapping caulk with 216. In an exemplary embodiment,reflector 222 may have a length of approximately twelve inches.Reflector 222 reduces glare from diffuser 200 without significantlyreducing the light output from diffuser 200.

With reference to FIG. 2, light collection system 204 is shown inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Light collection system 204 mayinclude a light collector 300, a clamp ring 302, a mounting flange 304,and a flashing 306. Flashing 306 is positioned to encircle and to mountto a first portion of reflective tube 202. The first portion ofreflective tube 202 is opposite diffuser 200. Flashing 306 is positionedon a surface to which the light pipe system is mounted for use. Thesurface, for example, may be a roof or an exterior wall of a building.Flashing 306 may be formed of aluminum. Reflective tube 202 extendsthrough the surface to the interior space to allow natural light intothe interior space. Mounting flange 304 mounts to a first portion offlashing 306 opposite the surface to which the flashing 306 is mounted.

With reference to FIG. 3, light collector 300 includes a shell 404, aprojection 405, and flange 406. Projection 405 is shown for example as agenerally cylindrical post located at an uppermost point (e.g. peak,apex, etc.) of the generally dome-shaped shell 404. However, projection405 may be formed with any suitable shape and at any desired location onthe shell. For example, projection 405 may include a retention featureintended to retain a filament in connection with the projection, such asa hook-shape, or formed as a ringlet or as a tab with an eyelet, etc. Inan exemplary embodiment, light collector 300 is formed of a sheet ofacrylic material using a free forming process that uses air pressuredifferentials to form shell 404 of light collector 300 without a mold.According to other embodiments, the shell may be formed by a moldingprocess where the projection may be formed as a sprue in the moldingprocess. In an exemplary embodiment, shell 404 has an oblate shape.Products formed using this method generally have improved opticalcharacteristics over those formed using molds. Flange 406 of lightcollector 300 defines a generally circular opening which is positionedso that shell 404 covers the interior space formed by reflective tube202.

Clamp ring 302 is positioned over flange 406 of light collector 300.Clamp ring 302 may include first fastener holes 400. Mounting flange 304may include a flange 408 and a wall 410 which extends from flange 408 atan approximately 90 degree angle though other angles may be used. In anexemplary embodiment, flange 408 and wall 410 extend approximately 1.5inches. Flange 408 of mounting flange 304 may include second fastenerholes 402. In general, first fastener holes 400 are formed in clamp ring302 to align with second fastener holes 402 of mounting flange 304 sothat flange 406 of light collector 300 can be mounted and held betweenclamp ring 302 and flange 408 of mounting flange 304. Mounting flange304 and clamp ring 302 may be formed of aluminum.

With reference to FIG. 4, a side view of light collection system 204 isshown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplaryembodiment, wall 410 of mounting flange 304 frictionally abuts the firstportion of flashing 306. To avoid any water freezing therebetween, thereis no gap between wall 410 of mounting flange 304 and the first portionof flashing 306. Flange 408 of mounting flange 304 extends outward awayfrom the interior space formed by reflective tube 202. Flange 406 oflight collector 300 is positioned against flange 408 of mounting flange304. Clamp ring 302 is positioned against flange 406 of light collector300.

With reference to FIG. 5, flashing 306 is shown in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, flashing 306 is formedof a single sheet of spun aluminum with no seams. Flashing 306 mayinclude a wall 600, a transition wall 602, a flange 604, a mounting wall606, and a peripheral edge 608. Transition wall 602 extends from a firstside of wall 600 of flashing 306. Flange 604 of flashing 306 extendsfrom a first side of transition wall 602. The first side of transitionwall 602 is opposite wall 600 of flashing 306. Transition wall 602provides a transitional surface between wall 600 and flange 604 offlashing 306. Mounting wall 606 extends from a second side of wall 600of flashing 306. The second side of transition wall 602 is opposite thefirst side of transition wall 602. Peripheral edge 608 forms a generallycircular shape along mounting wall 606 opposite the second side of wall600 of flashing 306. As known to those skilled in the art, roofing orsiding materials may be positioned to cover at least a portion offlashing 306 including flange 604, transition wall 602, and/or wall 600.

With reference to FIG. 6, transition wall 602 forms an angle α betweenwall 600 and flange 604 of flashing 306. In an exemplary embodiment,angle α is greater than 90 degrees. Mounting wall 606 may include afirst mounting surface 702, a transition surface 704, and a secondmounting surface 706. First mounting surface 702 extends from an edge700 of wall 600 of flashing 306. Transition surface 704 provides atransition between first mounting surface 702 and second mountingsurface 706. Peripheral edge 608 is formed along second mounting surface706.

With reference to FIG. 7, wall 600 of flashing 306 extends a height Bfrom flange 604 of flashing 306 to edge 700. In an exemplary embodiment,height B is approximately six inches for a light pipe including adiffuser having a diameter of 22.25 inches. First mounting surface 702extends a height C from edge 700 to transition surface 704. In anexemplary embodiment, height C is approximately 1.5 inches for a lightpipe including a diffuser having a diameter of 22.25 inches. Firstmounting surface 702 extends in a generally perpendicular directionrelative to a horizontal surface 800. Transition surface 704 extends ina generally parallel direction relative to horizontal surface 800.Second mounting surface 706 extends a height D from transition surface704 to peripheral edge 608. In an exemplary embodiment, height D isapproximately one inch for a light pipe including a diffuser having adiameter of 22.25 inches. Second mounting surface 706 extends in agenerally perpendicular direction relative to horizontal surface 800. Inan exemplary embodiment, flange 604 of flashing 306 is parallel to orextends down from horizontal surface 800. In general, horizontal surface800 extends in the direction of the surface to which the light pipesystem is mounted. Flange 604 of flashing 306 extends a length E fromtransition wall 602. In an exemplary embodiment, length E isapproximately three inches for a light pipe including a diffuser havinga diameter of 22.25 inches.

With reference to FIG. 8 a, a detailed cross sectional side view of themounting between light collection system 204 and reflective tube 202 isshown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall 410 of mountingflange 304 frictionally abuts first mounting surface 702 of flashing 306to maintain light collector 300 in position relative to flashing 306. Afastener 900 extends through a first fastener hole of the first fastenerholes 400 and through a first fastener hole of the second fastener holes402 to mount clamp ring 302 to flange 408 of mounting flange 304. Clampring 302 and flange 408 of mounting flange 304 extend further thanflange 406 of light collector 300 so that fastener 900 does not extendthrough flange 406 of light collector 300. In an exemplary embodiment,clamp ring 302 extends approximately 1.5 inches. Fastener 900 clampsflange 406 of light collector 300 between clamp ring 302 and flange 408of mounting flange 304. In an exemplary embodiment, flange 406 of lightcollector 300 extends approximately 0.375 inches from shell 404. In theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 a, fastener 900 includes a screw 902, anut 904, and a washer 906. In an exemplary embodiment, screw 902 is aone inch screw formed of aluminum. In an exemplary embodiment, nut 904is a nylon locking hex nut formed of aluminum. In an exemplaryembodiment, washer 906 is formed of aluminum.

In an alternative embodiment, a different fastening mechanism may beused to connect the components of light pipe system 102. For example, aquestion mark fastener comprising a band clamp or a barrel clamp type offastener may be used with a T-bolt or straight hex bolt to close theclamp. Flange 408 of mounting flange 304 and flange 406 of lightcollector 300 are positioned within an open upper end of the questionmark section of the question mark fastener. The clamp may replacefastener 900 and clamp ring 302. A V-section clamp may also be used withbolt anchor points added to a V section of the V-section clamp.

A first gasket 908 may be positioned between first mounting surface 702of flashing 306 and wall 206 of reflective tube 202 to abut againsttransition surface 704 of mounting wall 606. In an exemplary embodiment,first gasket 908 is a horsehair gasket. A second gasket 910 may bepositioned between shell 404 of light collector 300 and second mountingsurface 706 of flashing 306. In an exemplary embodiment, second gasket910 is a horsehair gasket. First gasket 908 and second gasket 910 reduceairflow and keep contaminants from entering light pipe system 102. Feweror additional gaskets may be included. In an exemplary embodiment,silicone may be applied between flashing 306 and reflective tube 202 toreduce airflow and keep contaminants from entering light pipe system102. A second fastener 912 extends through a first fastener hole insecond mounting surface 706 of flashing 306 and through a first fastenerhole of wall 206 of reflective tube 202 to mount flashing 306 toreflective tube 202. Second fastener 912 extends into the interior spaceformed by reflective tube 202. Second fastener 912 is positioned aboveflange 406 of light collector 300 along shell 404 of light collector300. In an exemplary embodiment, second fastener 912 is a sheet metalscrew formed of stainless steel. Clamp ring 302 may be formed of aplurality of sections which may overlap to form various size rings.

With reference to FIG. 8 b, a detailed cross sectional side view of amounting between flashing 306 and mounting flange 304 is shown inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Wall 410 of mounting flange 304frictionally abuts first mounting surface 702 of flashing 306 tomaintain light collector 300 in position relative to flashing 306. Toprovide additional stability over the frictional fitting, a joint 914may be formed between wall 410 of mounting flange 304 and first mountingsurface 702 of flashing 306. For example, joint 914 may be formed usinga Tog-L-Loc® sheet metal joining system such as that developed by BTMCorporation of Marysville, Mich. A sealant also may be applied betweenwall 410 of mounting flange 304 and first mounting surface 702 offlashing 306 to minimize any airflow or water leakage between wall 410of mounting flange 304 and first mounting surface 702 of flashing 306.

In an exemplary embodiment, an insulation sleeve may be positionedbetween flashing 306 and reflective tube 202 to reduce airflow and keepcontaminants from entering light pipe system 102 and to reduce heat lossfrom light pipe system 102. The insulation sleeve may be formed of afiberglass material. The insulation sleeve may be taped to an insidesurface of flashing 306 and may extend from approximately adjacent firstgasket 908 to the roofing/wall or 2-3 inches below/into theroofing/wall. A counter flashing may be positioned between mountingflange 304 and an exterior surface of the roofing/wall to deflectmoisture away from light pipe system 102. The counter flashing may bemounted to mounting flange 304 using first fastener holes 400 and secondfastener holes 402. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, aplurality of rods (not shown) may mount to mounting flange 304 extendingupward toward shell 404. A filament may be extended between theplurality of rods to discourage birds from roosting on light pipe system102.

With reference to FIG. 9, an anti-bird perch system for use with aplurality of light pipes in a lighting system provided on a rooftop of abuilding or facility is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Eachof the light pipes 102 are shown to include a light collector 300 havinga projection 405. A filament 110 (e.g. line, wire, string, etc.) isextended (e.g. run, strung, wrapped, wound, stretched, drawn, etc.)between several or all of the plurality of projections in any one of avariety of suitable patterns to create a filament network 112 (e.g.mesh, net, web, etc.). According to one embodiment, filament 110 may bea monofilament material (e.g. such as fishing line or the like).Filament network 112 is intended to create an obstruction that createsminimal interference with light reception by the light collectors, butdiscourages birds from flying in close proximity to light pipes 102 andminimizes the likelihood that birds, after encountering or becomingaware of the filament network, will roost or perch on the rooftop ornear the light pipes.

The Applicants believe that a substantially clear or transparentfilament tends to be more effective because it is less readilydetectable (and thus not easily circumvented) by birds and thusconstitutes more of a potential hazard that, once the birds are familiarwith the network (i.e. after a suitable “learning period”) and develop acertain “discomfort” with the network, they tend to avoid. Whereas, whenthe filament network is readily visible or detectable, it is morereadily noticed and circumvented by birds, and tends to be lesseffective in discouraging the birds from perching, nesting or roostingon the rooftop in the vicinity of the network and lighting devices. TheApplicants currently believe that the effectiveness of the filamentnetwork is attributable (at least in part) to the creation and presenceof a potential hazard that birds become aware of over time, but havedifficulty detecting and circumventing; rather than the formation of aphysical barrier (e.g. in the manner of a screen of the like).Accordingly, the filament network is more effective in discouragingbirds from perching, roosting or nesting not only on the individualcollectors 300, but also over the broader rooftop area of the building(unlike conventional spikes or the like which are effective only on theparticular object from which the spikes extend).

According to one embodiment the network comprises a geometricallysymmetric pattern; according to other embodiments, the network comprisesgeometrically asymmetric patterns, depending on the number andarrangement of light pipes, obstructions (if any) between the lightpipes, or other factors. The Applicants believe that asymmetric patternsthat have a more “random” structure may also tend to create a certaindiscomfort for birds because the randomness tend to creates moredifficulty for the birds to circumvent. The filament(s) may also becoupled to other structures on the roof, such as stacks, utilitysupports, ventilation hoods or equipment and the like.

According to other embodiments, the filaments may be provided withvisual indicators to further establish the presence of the network. Suchvisual indicators may include coloring (e.g. monochrome ormulti-colored) of the filament itself, or suspension of objects (e.g.tags, flags, markers, etc.—which may be stationary or movable, such asby wind or other source) from the filament, or the filament may have alight-reflective surface configured to reflect light from the sun orother sources to enhance visual perception of the presence of thenetwork.

Although the light pipes are shown by way of example as installed on asubstantially planar rooftop with a correspondingly planar filamentnetwork, the anti-bird perch system is equally adaptable for use withlight pipes (or other suitable lighting devices) installed on a sloped,contoured, or multi-level rooftops where the filaments, as extended fromone light pipe to the next, tend to follow the contour of the rooftop.According to a further embodiment, the filaments may be provided withone or more tensioning device(s) 12 (e.g. springs, mass-pulley, etc.)intended to maintain a desired tension on the filaments during variousweather conditions (e.g. hot, cold, wet, dry, wind, etc.) and toaccommodate creep or stretch of the filament material, so that thefilament network retains a desired tension or taughtness so that thefilament network extends over the plurality of light pipes on thefacility. According to other embodiments, a certain level of “sag” or“droop” of the network is permitted and tensioning devices may beomitted. According to one embodiment, network 112 is intended to appearas a “floating” web or filament network extending along at an elevationat, or slightly above, the top of the collectors 300 of the light pipeson the rooftop of the building. The Applicants believe that the networkpositioned at such an elevation tends to be most effective atdiscouraging the presence of birds on the rooftop in the vicinity of thelight pipes, and is usually sufficiently high to avoid being covered bysnow during the winter months or in cold climates, yet is sufficientlylow and unobtrusive to avoid being an unsightly detraction from thebuilding's aesthetic appearance.

Each segment of the filament network 112 may be a separate segmentconnected at each end to a projection 405 on an associated lightcollector 300. According to another embodiment, the segments of thefilament network may be provided by one or more multi-segmentedfilaments that are coupled to their associated projections 405, or asingle filament may be used for the entire network. The filament(s) maybe coupled to the projections by tying, wrapping, routing through anaperture, or any other suitable manner intended to secure thefilament(s) to the projection to create the filament network. Accordingto a further embodiment, one or more posts may be provided to elevatecertain portions of the filament network to create a filament networkwith a contoured topography.

According to any exemplary embodiment, an anti bird-perch systemprovides a network of filaments (which may be substantially clear)suspended from a top of the light collectors on light pipes disposed onthe rooftop of a building, in order to discourage birds from populatingthe area of a rooftop around the location of the light pipes.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes ofthis disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “oneor more”.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention havebeen presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of theinvention. The functionality described may be distributed among modulesthat differ in number and distribution of functionality from thosedescribed herein. Additionally, the order of execution of the functionsmay be changed depending on the embodiment. The embodiments were chosenand described in order to explain the principles of the invention and aspractical applications of the invention to enable one skilled in the artto utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto and their equivalents.

1. An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility, the system comprising: a plurality of light pipes, each having a substantially dome-shaped light collector; a projection extending from the light collector; and at least one filament extending between two or more of the projections to define a filament network.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the projection extends from an apex of the light collector.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the light collectors are disposed on a roof of the facility.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the filament comprises a substantially clear monofilament material.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein each projection is connected to at least two other projections by the filament.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each projection is connected to each of the other projections by the filament.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the filament is a continuous filament.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tensioning device configured to maintain a desired taughtness of the filament network.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the filament network comprises a contoured topography.
 10. An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility, the system comprising: a plurality of dome-shaped light collectors disposed on a rooftop of the facility; a projection extending from an apex of the light collector; and at least one substantially clear filament connected to two or more of the projections to define a filament network disposed above the rooftop and proximate a top of the plurality of light collectors.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the filament network comprises a topography that is substantially planar.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the filament network defines a pattern of filaments that is asymmetric.
 13. The system of claim 10, further comprising one or more objects suspended from a filament at a location between two light collectors.
 14. An anti bird-perch lighting system for use with a facility having a rooftop, the system comprising: a plurality of light collectors disposed on the rooftop of the facility and configured to collect sunlight; a projection extending from each of the light collectors; and a filament interconnecting the projections on the light collectors to define a filament network disposed above the rooftop and proximate a top of the plurality of light collectors.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the light collectors comprise dome-shaped covers for a light pipe device.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the projections comprise a retention feature configured to retain the filament in connection with the projection.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the filament comprises a substantially transparent material.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the filament network comprises a non-planar topography. 